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3d printer

4,583 bytes added, 17:03, 23 September 2014
/* Usage */ added TL;DR version, completed detailed version
== Usage ==
=== TL;DR ===
# Open Cura on the print machine, load & adjust your models, and then adjust the print parameters.
# Layer height: 0.1mm for detailed prints, 0.25mm for fast prints. Shell thickness: multiple of 0.4. Enable retraction: yes. Bottom top thickness: multiple of layer height. Fill density: 10% for just structural support (e.g. prototype), 30% for most prints, 60-80% for smaller/more complex objects, 100% for keys and stuff. Print speed: 60-150mm/s, with 100mm/s fine for most prints. Temperature: 210°c to 240°c, the higher the print speed, the higher the temperature. Leave all other settings as is for most prints.
# Click print, set desired temperature using up/down buttons, and check behind the printer if the filament is broken. When the extruder heats up, extrude some filament (using 10 button under +E) to check if everything works before printing. Click print and remove excess filament. Follow the print via the [http://webcam.fixme.ch webcam]. If it fucks up, cancel and read detailed instructions.
# When the print is done, use a chisel and spatula to remove printed object. Replace any blue tape if you damaged it. Clean printing area and please pay for your print into the little piggy bank by the printer.
 
=== Detailed ===
# '''Prepare a 3D model to print'''. You can [[#Find model online|find a model online]] with sites such as [http://thingiverse.com Thingiverse], or [[#Make your own|create your own]] in software such as Sketchup or OpenSCAD. You will need to save the model as a .STL file, however .DAE can also be used for direct exports from Sketchup.
# '''Import your model onto the print computer'''. It is easiest if you print using our dedicated print computer (Fixme-SPM) which is located next to the printer. You can import the model by dragging it into the [https://foo.fixme.ch/marcha/ drag and drop service], using a USB key, using IRC, or using a cloud hosting service such as [http://ge.tt/ Ge.tt] or [https://mega.co.nz/# Mega]. If you log into your email/dropbox/etc account on the machine, don't forget to use incognito mode.
## '''Fill density''': this is the density of the fill inside your model. Due to an excellent calibration of our Ultimaker, almost all prints will require less than 30% fill. 10% for just structural support, 24% for an average print (after 25% Cura slices your model differently), 30% for a solid print of an average sized object. For objects that require superior structural strength, up to 60% is recommended. 80% can be used for very small complex objects, and 100% can be used for things like keys and bottle openers.
## '''Print speed''': this is the speed at which the Ultimaker will print. 60-80mm/s for detailed prints, 100mm/s is recommended for most prints, 120mm/s for average prints, and up to 150mm/s for fast, lower quality prints.
## '''Printing temperature''': we have tested and 235°C works bestchoose the temperature based on the print speed. 210° C for 60-80mm/s, 235° C for 120mm/s. Select in the 210-240°C range.
## '''Support type''': only use for prints with significant overhangs.
## '''Platform adhesion type''': not required for PLA prints, unless you have a lot of places where the model touches the platform.
## '''Diameter''': the diameter of the filament (currently 2.89mm). Do not touch this unless you are changing the filament and have remeasured it (sometimes the value does not match the specification).
## '''Flow''': the rate at which the filament is extruded. 100% is the normal rate, if you're having issues with extrusion you can increase this.
# '''Open printer interface'''. Click on the Print button. If you see a Save button instead, make sure that the USB cable is connected, the power strip is on, and the switch on the printer is set to on.
# '''Prepare for printing'''. Set the desired temperature, using the up/down buttons - otherwise it doesn't start heating. Whilst waiting for the hot end to heat up, and <u>check that the filament hasn't broken</u> in the back (if it has, pull out/snap out the remaining bit, and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDizDuAyK9E reinsert new filament]). Once the extruder has heated up, lower the print platform a bit (10 button under the +Z arrow), and then extrude some filament (click the 10 button several times under the +E arrow), until the filament comes out cleanly from the extruder.
# '''Print'''. Remove any extruded filament from the extruder and from the print bed, and then click Print. Make sure that filament is coming out of the extruder as it starts printing the first layer. If it isn't, cancel the print, and repeat the previous step.
# '''Watch the print'''. Make sure you look after how the print is going via the [http://webcam.fixme.ch webcam]. Pay attention to the following:
## If you notice that the filament is coming out in clumps and is missing some spots, cancel the print, and make sure that the filament isn't broken/finished/stuck in extruder/slipped on extruder motor behind. Replace the filament and extrude a bit out to make sure it works before restarting the print.
## If your print starts peeling from the platform, you can either try to save it by holding it down with unorthodox means, or cancel the print. Before restarting the print, adjust your parameters to ensure it doesn't happen again.
## If you see that partway through your print the model has shifted, it means that one of the axis has slipped - you'll need to cancel the print and troubleshoot further.
## If the printer starts to make grinding noises, cancel the print immediately.
# '''Remove the printed object'''. Once the printer has finished printing, carefully remove the object with the tools next to the printer. It is best to use the chisel and then the spudger to remove your prints. If you scrape of or damage the blue tape on the print surface, please replace it for the next person. When done printing, turn off the printer, the printing machine, and don't forget to pay for what you printed ;)
# '''Finish your print'''. Some prints might be ready right after printing, whilst others need a bit of working on. You can use a cutter to trim off any loose filament, sandpaper to smoothen out surfaces, or a hot air gun to bend your items. Note that the sandpaper will leave white plastic dust stuck in your print, and it might not be the finish you were looking for. The hot air gun will quickly deform the piece, especially if it's small - do not use this method for smoothing, only bending/shaping your items to fit (e.g. holder for x is too loose, you need to close it up a bit so that it holds better).
 
 
''' Tada! You've finished printing! Now use your print, share your model with others, tweet pictures of it, [http://makerlove.com make love with it], or do whatever you want!'''
== 3D models ==
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